Georgia ranks 39th out of 50 states for overall child and family wellbeing, according to the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, released recently by the Annie E.
Casey Foundation.
According to Jones County Family Connection Coordinator Joy Carr, Jones County experienced encouraging improvements in economic well-being, mirroring positive trends seen across Georgia.
Child poverty in the county declined by 13.5% since 2023 and has fallen by more than 20% since 2016, reflecting significant progress for local children and families.
However, several health and youth well-being indicators highlight areas of growing concern.
Like statewide trends, Jones County saw a 30% increase in low-birthweight babies between 2023 and 2025. In addition, rates of emergency room visits for both self-harm and cardiovascular disease, measured per 100,000 residents, also exceeded state averages. Furthermore, the percentage of 9th-grade students reporting the use of an electronic vapor device within the past 30 days rose to 13.8%, significantly higher than Georgia’s rate of 5.1%.
Most concerning, teen death rates have increased in Jones County, underscoring an urgent need for community- wide action. These findings reinforce the importance of continued collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, families, and community organizations to address the challenges facing local youth and to build on the progress already achieved in improving outcomes for children and families.
For more local information, go to jones.gafcp. org or contact Joy Carr at 478-319-8209.
— Contributed
